We tried to get across the harbor into the shopping area set up for the festival but to no avail. The bridge was up to allow a number of boats to pass through. We waited about 15 minutes but there was no sign of the bridge coming down.

Vessel after vessel passed through.

We turned back and walked past the Tower of London. We were particularly impressed by these wire mesh sculptures of wild animals outside the gate.

The boat parade was scheduled to start soon so we picked up the pace of our walk along the North Bank of the Thames.